Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog

8 injured in Chicago pedestrian accident

May 23, 2011 | By Dave Abels

An Illinois pedestrian accident on Saturday in the Gold Coast neighborhood has resulted in several pedestrians getting hurt, including a toddler and some models in a wedding photo shoot, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. The crash occurred when a city worker lost control of a truck.

The child, age 2, only suffered none-life-threatening injuries and was taken to Children’s Memorial Hospital. Six other pedestrians were hit, and unfortunately 2 were critically injured. One of the critically injured was the toddler’s caretaker. She was taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital.

The incident took place around 12:20 p.m. at the three-way intersection of Cedar, Rush and State Streets. An employee of the Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation was driving a city owned white Ford F150 pickup truck when he lost control and drove onto the sidewalk, hitting the pedestrians on the southeast corner.

One person killed in Will County, Illinois truck accident

May 22, 2011 | By Dave Abels

A Chicago area car vs. truck crash has resulted in the death of a 60-year-old Park Forest woman, according to the Southtown Star. One other person was also injured in the collision that occurred Wednesday afternoon on Interstate 80.

The accident involved two semi trucks and a passenger vehicle, and occurred just after 2:15 PM on the interstate’s westbound lanes in the area of Interstate 355. The car was struck from behind by one of the trucks, causing the vehicle to spin into another lane where a second truck slammed into it.

The injured driver was taken by ambulance to Silver Cross Hospital. The name of the victim fatally injured has not been released.

Illinois work injury accident results in fines for Chicago Heights company

May 21, 2011 | By Dave Abels

A November 18, 2010 Chicago area work accident has resulted in a chemical production company getting hit with $63,000 in fines, according to NWI.com. This is due to the US Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration citing the business with one safety violation and five health violations. The company at issue is located in suburban Chicago Heights.

One health violation is being considered willful for not making sure that a confined space was safe to enter. A willful violation is defined as being done intentionally, knowingly or with voluntary disregard to the law, or with indifference to the safety and health of employees.

A government investigation took place after an employee sustained second and third-degree burns at the plant. A spokesman for the Department of Labor said that the company now has two weeks to respond to the alleged violations.

Chicago accident attorney to represent 2 women injured in Indiana crash

May 20, 2011 | By Dave Abels

Illinois personal injury lawyers at Abels & Annes have entered into an agreement to represent 2 Chicago area women were hurt in a La Porte, Indiana auto accident. The traffic collision occurred in May, 2011 on US Highway 35.

The women were traveling in a Northwest direction on US 35 in a 2000 Toyota Camry. At that time the defendant, who was driving at 2007 Yukon in a Southeast direction on Highway 35, turned left into our clients’ vehicle, failing to yield to oncoming traffic.

The La Porte County Sheriff’s Department investigated the collision. After interviewing the parties involved in a witness, the deputy found the defendant to be at fault.

Chicago injury attorney to represent a woman hurt in DuPage County car crash

May 19, 2011 | By Dave Abels

Illinois auto accident attorneys at Abels & Annes signed on to represent a Wheaton woman that was injured in a collision in December, 2010. The incident occurred in the southbound lanes of Interstate 355 in Itasca, Illinois just north of Lake Street.

The crash took place when the driver of a Toyota pickup truck became distracted by a vehicle changing lanes in front of him, did not notice traffic slowing down, and rear-ended a Pontiac Grand Am in front of him. This caused a multiple vehicle accident involving 5 cars in total. The Toyota turned sideways in the collison and struck our client’s Chevy Malibu.

Illinois State Police and Addison Rescue responded to the scene of the accident. After interviewing the parties involved, the investigating trooper issued the Toyota pickup driver a ticket for failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident.

Evanston school bus accident injures 20 students

May 18, 2011 | By Dave Abels

An Illinois bus crash in north suburban Evanston resulted in the hospitalization of 20 students and one adult on Tuesday morning, Tribune Local is reporting. One school bus rear-ended another after one of the bus drivers was momentarily distracted.

The students were from Rowe elementary school and were on a field trip at Northwestern University. The collision took place around 11:15 AM as the 2 school buses were heading northbound on Chicago Ave. near Davis Street. There were a total of 50 students on the two buses.

Evanston police are stating that the at fault bus driver may have been looking in his side view mirror at the time of the accident.

“Ride of Silence aims to Raise Awareness of Bicycle Accidents in Oak Park, River Forest, Chicago Suburbs

May 17, 2011 | By Dave Abels

There will be a “Ride of Silence” on Wednesday in memory of those killed in bicycle accidents in Chicago and elsewhere as riders and safety advocates continue to push safety and awareness at the start of the summer riding season, Trib Local reported.

Residents in Oak Park and River Forest will be among the riders participating in the national Ride of Silence Event. The event began in Dallas in 2003 after a rider was hit by a school bus. This will be the first event in Oak Park or River Forest.

The Oak Park Cyclist Club became interested in the event amid the continued clash between cyclists and drivers. As our Chicago bicycle accident attorneys have reported, dooring, lack of respect, lane crowding and failure to yield at intersections are just a few of the dangers riders are facing.The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports 20 riders were killed in Illinois bicycle accidents in 2009. The Illinois Department of Transportation reported cycling accidents in Chicago killed 5 riders and injured thousands of others.

In Chicago, ghost bikes — bikes painted white and chained to a post near a fatal accident — are becoming more common. The ride, which will be conducted in silence, is another way advocates hope to raise awareness.

Oak Park in particular has a heavy cycling presence, with officials working to increase the number of bike lanes. Riders will meet at 7 p.m. at Lake Street and Oak Park Avenue and will ride a yet-to-be-determined route.

In all, nine Ride of Silence events are planned in the Chicago area, including Evanston, Downers, Grove, Joliet and Arlington Heights.
Continue reading

Illinois injury lawyer to represent woman hurt in Chicago car accident

May 16, 2011 | By Dave Abels

Chicago car crash lawyers at Abels & Annes have signed on to represent a South Side woman that was injured in a March, 2011 traffic collision. The accident occurred in the 1800 block of 71st Street around 7:30 AM.

The plaintiff was driving her 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee on 71st in the left eastbound lane. The defendant, who was also driving eastbound on 71st, was in the far right lane. At that time the defendant, who was driving a 2003 Pontiac Grand Am, attempted an illegal left turn from the far right lane, striking our client’s vehicle.

The plaintiff’s car was knocked off the road, sideswiping a pole, and then came to a rest on some railroad tracks next to the street.

Flood Waters in Illinois Increase Risks for a Car Accident down state and Elsewhere

May 15, 2011 | By Dave Abels

Illinois is currently experiencing flooding in various regions and that water is posing serious danger to many residents. The Illinois Department of Transportation continues to offer logistical support and assistance by delivering thousands of sandbags and other supplies to affected regions. They’ve also made heavy equipment and trucks available for even more support. The agency is supporting road closures and various traffic control alterations in the flood-impacted areas to help reduce the risks of preventable Illinois car accidents during this wicked weather.

Our Illinois personal injury lawyers urge residents to be careful and cautious through spring as officials are doing all that they can to ensure that everyone makes a safe and quick recovery from the flooding.Much of the flooding is in the southern part of the state.

Officials report that it’s the worst case of flooding they’ve seen in about 80 years. Gov. Pat Quinn is aggressively seeking federal aid for flooded areas of the state. More than 10 Illinois counties have been hit by high water and are currently seeking outside aide. More than 450

Governor Quinn Joins Motorcycle Safety Campaign to Help Reduce Risks of Chicago Motorcycle Accidents

May 14, 2011 | By Dave Abels

The “Start Seeing Motorcycles” campaign was recently launched by State Police, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and Gold Wing Road Riders Association (GWRRA) in an attempt to help reduce the risks of a motorcycle accident in Chicago and elsewhere in the state.

The agencies are now urging motorists to watch for motorcyclists as the spring season signals the start of the riding season in Illinois.Our Chicago motorcycle accident lawyers urge residents to join the cause not only in the month of May but year round. It is important to use caution when sharing our roads with motorcycles through the spring and summer months.

“Under the leadership and vision of Governor Pat Quinn, Illinois experienced an historic and record breaking two-year low in traffic fatalities in 2009 and 2010,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig. “IDOT continues to stress the importance of motorcycle safety and understands the need for proper attention, dedication and commitment by all motorists and motorcyclists in Illinois. Motorists share equal responsibility for motorcycle safety and are strongly encouraged to share the road and start seeing motorcycles.”

Statistics show more than half of all motorcycle accidents involving another vehicle are the fault of the other driver — not the rider.

“The Illinois State Police is committed to the safety of all motorists, and we are proud to partner with IDOT in an effort to raise awareness and reduce motorcycle related crashes,” said Illinois State Police Director Hiram Grau. “Inclement weather, road conditions, traffic congestion, and limitations of protective gear, make motorcycle riders susceptible to serious or life threatening injuries, regardless of their experience or skill level. We can all help make this summer safe and enjoyable by practicing safe driving habits and staying focused on the road.”

Yellow banners and yard signs illustrating the “Start Seeing Motorcycles” message will be displayed throughout Illinois this month in hopes of effectively informing the public about the increased number of motorcyclists expected to hit the road this spring. Motorists are asked to be on the lookout for motorcyclists and to be considerate of all motorists when behind the wheel.

IDOT and partners will also be continuing their new “Gear Up” campaign. This campaign is geared towards motorcyclists and their responsibilities as drivers. The campaign urges riders to keep their bikes in good running condition, make sure licensing and insurance are current, never ride impaired, wear protective clothing and increase their visibility.

“When you ride, be aware of your surroundings, others may not see you. Whenever there is a motor vehicle versus a motorcycle accident, most of the time the operator’s comment is, ‘I did not see the bike” said Larry Kolling, GWRRA’s Illinois District Motorist Awareness Coordinator.

During the “Gear Up” campaign, free Cycle Rider Safety Courses will be available statewide so that motorcycle riders can acquire proper safety knowledge and training.

The courses expect about 20,000 riders to participate and are coordinated through Northern Illinois University, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale and University of Illinois-Campaign,

Motorist tips to help keep our motorcyclists safe:

-Be sure to look twice when entering traffic, switching lanes or passing through an intersection as motorcyclists are oftentimes overlooked.

-Because of their small size, motorcycles appear to travel faster than they actually are.

-Motorcyclists will sometimes slow down or attempt to stop by downshifting instead of using their brakes. This move does not activate their brake lights. Do not follow too closely.

-Their small size may make them seem farther away than they actually are. Assume bikes are close and pose potential threats. Be extra cautious when driving near these motorists.

-Some blinkers on motorcycles are not self-canceling like they are on other motor vehicles. Make sure that a motorcyclist’s signal is real when traveling nearby.

-Bike drivers will swerve within a lane to avoid debris and the effects of winds. Don’t assume they’re just showing off or being reckless.
Continue reading